Suspect sought in armed robbery

PITTSFIELD -- A 35-year-old New York City man was arrested in connection with an armed home invasion Friday night outside a Bradford Street apartment, police said.

A second suspect was still at large on Saturday.

According to Pittsfield Police Sgt. Mark Bushey, the victims had just returned home at about midnight Friday night. They were getting out of the car at the rear of the building when two people approached them.

The taller man carried a silver pistol and demanded money from the couple. Then he allegedly struck the female on the side of her head with his pistol, according to police reports.

Both suspects were dressed all in black and were masked, Bushey said.

The identities of the victims were not released.

The suspects fled between the buildings when a neighbor pulled into the driveway.

Police initiated a search, following tracks in the snow with K-9 Officer James Losaw and his partner Ciro. Ciro caught up to a Jeffrey David Maple, 35, of New York City.

Also found along the tracks were a handgun, a knife, and some cash, Bushey said.

Maple is facing nine charges that include armed home invasion, armed robbery while masked, illegal possession of a firearm, second offense; possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, illegal possession of a firearm, second offense; and a firearms violation with one prior violent drug crime.

Maple is also charged with resisting arrest, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct.

The incident is under investigation by Pittsfield Police Department's Detective Bureau.

Maple is being held in the Police Department lockup in lieu of $200,000 bail pending arraignment on Monday in Central Berkshire District Court.

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